Athletic Training Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for training an athlete. The apparatus comprises an arm frame having a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a wheel unit and the second end contains an engaging pad member, and a support frame attached to the arm frame. The support frame has an upper lateral member in axial alignment with the wheel unit and a leg member, wherein the leg member contains a distal end that is attached to the arm frame and a proximal end that engages the ground. A horn is included on the lateral member and is adapted to receive a weight.

This application claims priority of Provisional Application No. 61/672,511, filed on 17 Jul. 2012, and entitled “Athletic Training Apparatus and Method.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An athlete's training regime may include many different components. For instance, an athlete must pay close attention to strength conditioning and cardiovascular training. A proper diet is also important. For sports requiring contact, such as football, proper balancing techniques are critical.

As those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, prior art football sleds have been used for training. Prior art football sleds are two-dimensional in that they go only where the player pushes or pulls them i.e. forward, backward, left, and right. Prior art football sleds suffer from many disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for training an athlete, such as a football player, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an arm frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end contains a wheel unit and the second end contains an engaging pad. The apparatus also contains a support frame attached to the arm frame, with the support frame having an upper lateral member in axial alignment with the wheel and a leg member. The leg member may contain a distal end that is attached to the arm frame and a proximal end that engages the ground.

In one embodiment, the engaging pad comprises a pair of grab handles attached to the arm frame, a central pad operatively attached to the arm frame, and a spring biasing the central pad in an extended position so that the central pad reciprocates with an applied force. Also, the wheel unit may contain a tension member for selectively applying tension to the wheel unit. In one embodiment, the proximal end may contain roller cylinders for engaging the ground, or alternatively, the proximal end may contain a sled attachment. In one embodiment, the leg member may contain telescoping members so that the height of the support frame can be adjusted. As per the teachings of this disclosure, the upper lateral member may contain a horn, with the horn being adapted to accept a weight member.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for training an athlete is disclosed. In this embodiment, an arm frame contains a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a wheel unit and the second end contains an engaging pad member. The apparatus also includes a base frame attached to the arm frame, with the base frame having a ground support, a lateral member attached at one end to the wheel unit and attached at the second end to the base frame, with the lateral member extending parallel with the arm frame, and wherein the lateral member contains a first horn capable of receiving a first weight and a second horn capable of receiving a second weight thereon. The first horn may be positioned approximately over the plane of the wheel unit and the second horn may be positioned between the engaging pad and the first horn. In one embodiment, the first weight on the first horn raises the center of mass of the apparatus and the second weight on the second horn provides a resistance to movement of the wheel unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in a rear view.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown a front view.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A depicts the engaging pad member in a retracted position.

FIG. 5B depicts the engaging pad member of FIG. 5A in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus 2 shown in a rear view. The apparatus 2 contains an arm frame 4 that has a first end 6 and a second end 8, with the first end 6 having a wheel unit 10 and the second end 8 having the engaging pad member 12 operatively associated therewith. The arm frame 4 contains a first arm 14 and a second arm 16, wherein the connecting plate 18 connects the arms together at one end and the axle 20 connects the arms together at the second end as seen in FIG. 1. Also, a “U” frame 23 connects the frames together in a conventional manner, such as by welding. The wheel unit 10 contains a tension member 22 for selectively applying tension to the single wheel by turning on the lever, well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, this can be accomplished by having a Teflon bar making contact with a metal disc which creates a friction brake mechanism to provide increased contact and friction.

In one embodiment, the engaging pad member 12 comprises a pair of grab handles 24 and 26 wherein an athlete can grab handles 24, 26 with his/her hands. The grab handles 24, 26 can be made removable. FIG. 1 further depicts the central pad 28. The central pad 28 can be constructed of many different types of materials such as foam. The central pad 28, in one embodiment, is configured so that the top portion 30 is generally of greater width than the bottom portion 32. Please note that the central pad 28 may be in different shapes and sizes than the pad 28 illustrated in FIG. 1. The engaging pad member 12 may also contain a spring biasing means for biasing the central pad 28 in an extended position so that the central pad 28 reciprocates a predetermined lateral distance when an athlete applies a contact force to the central pad 28, as will be more fully explained later in the specification.

FIG. 1 further depicts the support frame 34, with the support frame 34 being attached to the arm frame 4. In one embodiment, the support frame 34 has an upper lateral member 36 in axial alignment with the wheel unit 10. The support frame 34 also contains a leg member, seen generally at 38. In the embodiment shown, the leg member 38 has a first extension 40 and a second extension 42, a connecting brace 44, wherein the connecting brace 44 is attached to the lateral member 36. The first extension 40 has a telescoping member 40 a and the extension 42 has a telescoping member 42 a, with the telescoping members 40 a, 42 a adapted to adjust the height of the support frame 34. As seen in FIG. 1, the knobs 46 a, 46 b are used to cooperate with apertures in the extensions 40 a, 42 a for height adjustment, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus 2 of FIG. 1 shown in a front view. Please note that like numbers appearing in the various figures refer to like components. As seen in FIG. 2, the proximal end of the extensions 40, 42 contain cylinder units 48 a, 48 b that engage the ground, with the cylinder units 48 a, 48 b capable of rolling on the ground. According to the teachings of the present disclosure, a sled attachment can also be employed in place of the cylinder units 48 a, 48 b, with the sled attachments simply sliding on the ground. FIG. 2 further depicts the wheel unit 10 as well as the central pad 28, and handles 24, 26. The lateral member 36 has contained thereon the horn 50 and horn 52.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of the apparatus 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be described. The lateral member 36 can contain a horn; in the embodiment shown, a first horn 50 and a second horn 52 is depicted. The athlete may place weights (such as a plurality of circular weights) onto the horns 50, 52, such as circular weight W1 and W2. In the embodiment shown, the horn 50 is placed approximately in a plane over the wheel unit 10, and the horn 52 is placed on the lateral member 36 closer to the leg member 38. Generally, placement of weights on the first horn 50 can be set to provide increased tipping (e.g. balance) from side to side while the placement of weights on the second horn 52 can be create resistance (e.g. load) to lifting and lateral movement by the athlete during use. In other words, the horn 50 functions to raise the center of mass of the apparatus, thereby increasing tipability i.e. adding weight to horn 50 will raise the center of mass of the apparatus which in turn increases tipability. In reference to horn 52, an increase in the number of weights increases the lift load and resistance experienced by the athlete. FIG. 3 also depicts the wheel unit 22, tension member 22 as well as the central pad 28 and grab handle 26.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus 2. FIG. 4 depicts the grab handles 24, 26 and central pad 28. The wheel unit 10 with the tension member 22 is illustrated along with arms 14 and 16. The horn 50 is depicted over the wheel unit 10 and the horn 52 is positioned between the wheel unit 10 and the central pad 28.

In the method of using the apparatus 2, the athlete may engage the grab handles 24, 26 with his/her hands. FIG. 5A depicts the central pad 28 in the retracted position and FIG. 5B depicts the central pad 28 seen in FIG. 5A in an extended position. Collectively referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, if a sufficient amount of force is encountered, the spring 56 a will allow the central pad 28 to reciprocate a predetermined distance. Thereafter, the athlete will begin to push the apparatus 2 forward. The weights on the horns 50, 52 can be increased or decreased to effect a desired amount of tipping from side to side as well as resistance to forward movement. Also, the athlete can increase tension to the wheel unit 10 which in turn increase resistance necessitating increased force required by the athlete for forward movement.

As seen in FIG. 5A, the central pad 28 is depicted in a retracted position due to the action of the spring 56 a. The extensions 60 and 62 are pivotally attached at plate 64 at one end and to the plate 66 (note that plate 66 is attached to the central pad 28). More particularly, extension 60 is attached to plate 64 at pivot point 65 a and extension 62 is attached to plate 64 at pivot point 65 b. Also, the extension 60 will have pivot connection point 65 c and extension 62 will have pivot connection point 65 d. The spring 56 a is connected at one end to the plate 64 (see connection point 56 b) and at the other end to the plate 66 (see connection point 56 c). FIG. 5A also depicts the connector bar CB1, wherein the connector bar CB1 is connected to the first arm 14 at the point labeled CB2 (see CB2 in FIG. 5A) and connected to the grab handle 26 at the point labeled CB3. A second connector bar (not seen in this view) is provided for connection of the second arm 16 to grab handle 24, with similar construction. FIG. 5A also depicts that the central pad 28 is attached to the plate 66, as well as the grab handle 26 including an attached padding 27, which is similar material to the central pad 28 material previously described.

FIG. 5B depicts the central pad 28 of FIG. 5A in an extended position due to a force being applied by the athlete to the central pad 28 to extend the spring 56 a. The extensions 60 and 62 are pivoted upwards. The spring 56 a acts as a resistance mechanism and is employed to provide for the tensioning of the ratcheting action by the athlete coming into contact with the engaging pad member 12, and in particular central pad 28. The spring mechanism helps to attenuate the impact upon initial engagement by the athlete. As per the teachings of this disclosure, multiple springs may be utilized to obtain the desired resistance needed. It should be noted that a hydraulic means for providing resistance to the athlete's contact force could also be used.

In one embodiment, the apparatus provides for a third dimension (versus the two-dimensional prior art devices), one that stimulates what is actually experienced by player on the line, i.e. the core balance component. Balance is key to success in any sport and football lineman should be trained in core balance techniques. Also, players must be taught efficient and effective techniques. In football, this includes teaching players to drive their opponents off the ball while maintaining balance at the same time.

Another feature of one embodiment is the adjustable starting heights using the telescoping members 42 a, 42 b. Yet another feature of one embodiment is the adjustable lift loads utilizing the horns 50, 52 and weights. Still yet another feature of one embodiment is the option of varying the drive force needed by the athlete by increasing or decreasing tension of the tension member 22.

Important skills include maintaining a low center of gravity, instantaneous explosion of the hips, correcting footwork, proper hand positioning, keeping back properly aligned, bending sufficiently at the knees, and taking short, rapid driving steps while at the same time maintaining balance. A feature of one embodiment is the disclosed apparatus provides for aiding in the development of these skills. The apparatus disclosed provides for a lift, drive and balance design.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for training football player comprising: an arm frame having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end contains a wheel unit and said second end contains an engaging pad member; and a support frame attached to said arm frame, said support frame having an upper lateral member in axial alignment with said wheel and a leg member, wherein said leg member contains a distal end is attached to said arm frame and a proximal end that engages the ground.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engaging pad member comprises: a pair of grab handles attached to said arm frame; a central pad pivotly attached to said arm frame; and, a spring biasing said central pad in an extended position so that said central pad reciprocates when a force is applied.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said wheel unit contains a tension member for selectively applying tension to said wheel unit.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said proximal end of said leg members contain a cylinder for engaging the ground.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said leg member has a plurality of telescoping members so that the height of said support frame can be adjusted.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said upper lateral member contains a horn, said horn being adapted to accept a weight member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said proximal end of said leg members contain a sled attachment for engaging the ground.
 8. An apparatus for training an athlete comprising: an arm frame having a first end and as second end, wherein said first end contains a wheel unit and said second end contains an engaging pad member; a base frame attached to said arm frame, said base frame having a ground support; a lateral member, attached at one end to the wheel unit and attached at the second end to the base frame, wherein said lateral member extends parallel with said arm frame.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said lateral member contains a first horn and a second horn positioned thereon, and wherein the first horn is positioned approximately over the plane of the wheel unit.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said engaging pad member comprises: a pair of grab handles attached to said arm frame; a central pad operatively attached to said arm frame; and, a spring biasing said central pad in an extended position so that said central pad reciprocates when a force is applied by the athlete.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said wheel unit contains a tension member for selectively applying tension to said wheel unit.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said proximal end contain cylinders for engaging the ground.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said leg member has telescoping members so that the height of said support frame can be adjusted.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said proximal end contains a sled attachment for engaging the ground.
 15. An apparatus for training an athlete comprising: an arm frame having a first end and as second end, wherein said first end contains a wheel unit and said second end contains an engaging pad member; a base frame attached to said arm frame, said base frame having a ground support; a lateral member, attached at one end to the wheel unit and attached at the second end to the base frame, wherein said lateral member extends parallel with said arm frame, and wherein said lateral member contains a first horn capable of receiving a first weight and a second horn capable of receiving a second weight thereon, and wherein the first horn is positioned approximately over the plane of the wheel unit and said second horn is positioned between said engaging pad and said first horn.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said first weight on the first horn raises a center of mass of the apparatus and wherein said second weight on the second horn provides a resistance to movement of the apparatus.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said engaging pad member comprises: a pair of grab handles attached to said arm frame a central pad operatively attached to said arm frame; and, a spring biasing said central pad in an extended position so that said central pad reciprocates when a force is applied by the athlete.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said wheel unit contains a tension member for selectively applying tension to said wheel unit.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said proximal end contain cylinders for engaging the ground.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said leg member has telescoping members so that the height of said support frame can be adjusted.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said proximal end contains a sled attachment for engaging the ground. 